Twin Lakes Bridgeport, september...

I just got invited on a trip up to twin lakes in mid september.  this is new water to me.  Anyone have any tips on the area?  I would expect cooler weather at that elevation to have brought the fish to the surface by then... any thoughts?

Bring the Mag Rapalas! Some BIG brownies in there. And Sept is like primetime for browns.

Twin lakes Mammoth, or Twin lakes Bridgeport?

Twin lakes Mammoth, or Twin lakes Bridgeport?

whoops, my bad... bridgeport.

Sin Coast... that is the target species.  So what are you thinking... like a 4" broken back or something along those lines?  I was thinking something bigger than my typical 2" shad patterns I use for rainbows. 

At least 6"

like a 4" broken back or something along those lines?

f13s or bigger.

Holy cow... That's what I use for stripers.  I know the browns get huge up there, so I get using a huge lure, but would that be limiting my chances of catching other species?  I know the bows are large as well, but seem to prefer smaller quarry most the time in my experience.  So what, two poll it?  One big on small?  Oh yeah, any color suggestions?  I was thinking rainbow trout patterns may get the big browns interested seeing as how they must predate planter bows right?

My Bro in Law lives to fish Twin Lakes every year for at least 2 weeks for the past 35yrs he used to swear by Rapalas now all he uses are Trophy Sticks he said it's really made a big differance for bigger fish.

Thanks for the info Mike... will do.  Big bait + big fish.  Like I said... I may two poll it in order to cover my bases, until evening when the germans get restless... Man I am geeked out of my mind for this trip!

trophy sticks are good, but they also cost a lot more $$$.  2 rod it with a smaller lure, you might catch some smaller trout or you could always catch a huge brown on that also. two rods won't scare em off as long as you're using fluoro leaders and longline.

When I troll two rods, I usually use two different lures unless one is a clear fish favorite.  I try to use things with different actions and running depths.  I like to get out as much line as possible to get them away from the boat as well.  All this leads to a minimal chance of spooking the fish. I have read that the big Browns are old and wise, so I was thinking fluoro for sure.  I know a lot of people troll leadcore to get depth while dragging flys... I have a couple go to lures that will get me the depth without the leadcore.  I think the fish should be up in the top 15ft. or so by then unless we get some serious late summer heat.  If all else fails I have a downrigger, and will bring along some leadcore as well.  I'm thinking I will just string up some 8-12lb fluoro (rod and reel combo dependent) and pass up on the leader all together.  Broken line=broken heart.  I would rather catch fewer fish, than bust off a trophy.  But thats how I roll.  I plan on fishing the "trophy sticks" in the morning and evening in low light, so line visibility is minimized anyway.  I have always heard the argument for light leaders... they don't spook the fish, and increase lure action, but I have fished side by side with guys of every school of thought, and have never felt as though I was being outfished... so, to hell with it. 

Just wanted to bump this, in case anyone else has any input... man I am geeked up for this trip.

I've been going up to the shores of Upper Twin Lakes for about 15years now, but on the trout opener in April,,,, and I am poor and don't own a motor boat <LOL> so I guess I am no help to you at all and just wanted to brag that I get to go there?

When we fish from the shores, we always do really good on browns using gold-pattern lures though, I usually throw a somewhat heavy gold kastmaster, and you will find the old timers pitching gold/red Lil Jake lures (if you can find them) I'm usually using about 6lb test and dipping the lures in whatever scent I have handy.

I may not have caught any 10lb trophies, but I have caught plenty in the 2-5lb range, from my humble lawnchair on the shore, and have enjoyed the heck out of every minute of it. Nothing like waking up to the sun breaking on the back of that sawtooth mountain on the backside of Yosemite.. It does your soul good just being there, everything else is gravy.

Good luck Brutha, enjoy yourself!

Thanks man... I hear ya about just being out there.  In pictures, the place is beautiful.  I would be more than happy to catch a few 2-5lbers... I have a few big ass gold shiner pattern rapalas that have been my go to striper lures for years that I will be sure to try.  Thanks for the tip.